Penzance Harbour will soon undergo a modernising upgrade, thanks to a £3 million investment from the Government's Town Deal Fund.

The revamp – the funding for which must be used by March 2026 – will enable upgrades such as the renovation and repurposing of the existing shed on West Quay to mitigate traffic congestion and pollution from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Enhancement of public spaces and improvements in harbour facilities will also take place to upgrade safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plans, set out by the Cornwall Council Harbour team and Penzance Town Deal Board, are to be exhibited at the Penzance Sailing Club on Albert Pier from 1pm to 6pm on January 18.

The public, along with local businesses and organisations, are being encouraged to attend and view the strategy for improving efficiency at the harbour over the next 10 years.

New workshop facilities for Penwith Marine Services (PMS) and an eco-friendly marine wash bay are also part of the project.

Penzance harbour master, James Broughton, said: "We are really pleased to be able to show how the Town Deal funding will help the harbour operations work more efficiently, sustainably, and improve accessibility.

"The Harbour's real estate and infrastructure has been under pressure for quite some time, and changes need to take place as our commercial activities are growing in relation to fish landings and associated marine engineering."

The investment, which needs to be spent by March 2026, will enable:

  • The renovation and repurposing of the existing shed on West Quay to improve freight handling and access for road users between The Quay and Battery Road. This will mean heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will no longer have to park on the main road, reducing traffic congestion and pollution in the area.   
  • New engineering workshops for the engineering facility Penwith Marine Services (PMS), allowing an increase in their facilities including a larger and more stocked chandlery. Additional berth space will allow for more flexibility between fish landings and engineering works for commercial and leisure vessels.
  • A new fully accessible pontoon to cater for the growing demand from cruise ships and visiting crafts. Increased visitors by boat will boost the local economy and the harbour’s sustainability. 
  • New boat lift crane and an eco-friendly marine wash bay facility to improve options for local boat owners and visitors, as well as the commercial sector.
  • Enhancement of the public spaces to improve the safety of walking and cycling routes. 
  • Improvements of the harbour facilities. 

Mr Broughton added: "The investment in our infrastructure will also enable us to address some issues that are impacting our town, such as road congestion and the risk of accidents on Quay Road.

"The Town Deal money will open new opportunities for the wider town by expanding our cruise market.

"The proposed new pontoon, for example, could accommodate up to 1,000 visitors per day."

Martin Tucker, chair of the Penzance Town Deal board, said: "The Town Deal funding is a vital investment that will transform the Penzance harbour into a modern and sustainable hub for the marine and engineering sectors.

"The upgrade of the harbour facilities will support a maritime sector which is on the up in Penzance and help create well-paid, highly-skilled permanent jobs."